The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
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TO JAMES MONROE.
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO JAMES MONROE.[87]
Dear Sir—I expected this morning to have
reached General W. and yourself before your departure
from Mongtomery C. H., but was delayed so
that I did not arrive there till six o'clock, partly to
obtain quarters, partly to be within communication
with you. I have proceeded thus far, in company
of the bearer to inform you, that I will either wait
here till you join me, or follow and join you, as you
may think best. Let me know your idea on the subject
by the bearer. If you decide on coming hither,
the sooner the better. Mr. Rush will remain here
also. Mr. Jones is with my family and his own on
the other side of the Potomac, but will come to the
city the moment he hears of its evacuation. General
Armstrong and Mr. Campbell are, I understand, at
Fredericktown. I shall give them immediate notice
of the change in the state of things, and desire them
to conform to it. A letter from General Smith (of
Winchester) to General A. was put in my hands, by
an express at Montgomery C. H., stating that a
brigade of militia could come on or not, as might be
desired. I have sent it open to Gen. W., who can
judge best of the answer proper to be given, and will
act on the letter accordingly.
Accept my best wishes and great esteem.
Secretary of State.
To be opened by Gen. Winder.
From A Sketch of the Events which preceded the Capture of Washington,
by Edward D. Ingraham, Philadelphia, 1849. Ingraham probably
obtained the letter from William H. Winder, of Philadelphia,
General Winder's son.
Madison and his party had just arrived at Brookville and he was
staying at Mrs. Bently's. "Just at bedtime the Presd. had arrived
and all hands went to work to prepare supper and lodgings for him,
his companions and guards—beds were spread in the parlour, the house
was filled and guards placed round the house during the night. . . .
All the villagers, gentlemen and ladies, young and old, throng'd to
see the President. He was tranquil as usual, and tho' much distressed
by the dreadful event, which had taken place not dispirited."—
Mrs. Samuel Harrison Smith to her sister. The First Forty Years
of Washington Society, p. 108.
The Mayor of Washington, James H. Blake, wrote to Madison the
evening of Aug. 26th, but could find neither horse nor rider to carry
the message and sent him a message Saturday morning at 7 o'clock
that everything was perfectly quiet and a few of the citizens returning.
—D. of S. MSS. Miscl. Lets.
| The writings of James Madison, | |